November 21, 2000

FURMAN'S LOUIS IVORY AMONG THREE FINALISTS
FOR WALTER PAYTON AWARD

GREENVILLE -- The Sports Network has announced that Furman tailback Louis Ivory, the leading rusher in NCAA I-AA football, is one of three finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which is given annually to the top offensive player in I-AA football.

Ivory, who on Tuesday was named Southern Conference Offensive Player-of-the-Year, joins Georgia Southern fullback Adrian Peterson and Villanova running back Brian Westbrook as one of three finalists invited to New York City for the award presentation in the Heisman Room of the Downtown Athletic Club on Dec. 4. The recipient of the Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the top defensive player in I-AA, will also be honored.

Ivory rushed for a conference record 2,079 yards and 16 touchdowns this year, helping Furman to a 9-2 overall record and 6-2 league mark. The Fort Valley, Ga., native rushed for over 200 yards in five games this season, including a conference single game record 301 yards and three touchdowns in the Paladins' 45-10 win over Georgia Southern on Nov. 4.

Furman, which went 9-2 this season and 6-2 in Southern Conference play, takes on Hofstra in NCAA I-AA first round playoff action this Saturday at Paladin Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.